Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of antiviral and anticancer agents. It serves as a building block in the development of nucleoside analogs, which mimic natural nucleosides and interfere with viral replication or tumor cell proliferation. Also employed in research for designing novel heterocyclic compounds with potential biological activity. Its chlorine substituents allow for further functionalization through cross-coupling reactions, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery.